The global pandemic of Corona Virus changed the way we live our lives. It changed the way we communicate, learn and even do our business. I saw that the pandemic and the following lockdown ended up being a great time for many micro-businesses to grow, and individuals to upskill and start earning. Women especially chose to use this time to learn and be independent.
I know a few who are thinking about learning something new and starting their business or becoming freelancers. I am showcasing a few women who have achieved this and would like to guide other women in doing so.
Today I am featuring Beena Doshi, a Risk Management Consultant who chose this career after taking a break from her corporate career. Today she is helping many handle their insurance portfolio while managing her house
Tell us about your background and experience.
I am an Engineering graduate and have worked with various Telecom companies , like BPL (Vodafone now) , Idea , Reliance Communications and Tata Communications. I took a sabbatical to take care of my daughters. When they became independent, I started afresh.
How did you come across this career opportunity?
A) My family has been in the Finance Business since the last 20 years and we had covered almost everything except Insurance. When I decided to work, I thought of focusing on this sector and introduce and expand the Insurance business.
What kind of experience do women need to make a career in insurance?
A) Well, There’s no experience required to get into this field. The Insurance companies provide the necessary training and certifications which helps you equip yourself with the ropes of Insurance business.
How can one become an Insurance agent?
A) Firstly, you need to clear an online exam conducted by IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India). Once the exam is cleared, you get the Advisor code to conduct the Insurance Business. One person can have the License/Code for One Life, One General, and One Health insurance on his/her name.
What kind of remunerations can one expect?
A) Just like any other Business, Remunerations are directly proportional to the amount of hard work that one puts in.
Is this something that Women can do while managing home/staying at home?
A) Yes , this is definitely something one can do while managing home/staying at home. All you need is good data connectivity to work from home.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business schedule?
A) We initially thought the business would suffer. But this Industry is so adaptable, that within 48 hrs everything was online right from client meeting to onboarding, Payment and Policy issuance. Now there is no form filling at all.
Can Women get into the Insurance business in the current times of lockdown?
A) Yes, one can apply for the Insurance Business now and start the preparation. The online exams are on hold from IRDA. Mostly, exams will be conducted somewhere in June 2020. So, this is a great time for those interested, to start the groundwork. You can learn about the Insurance concepts now and once the exam centers open, can appear for the exams and get the advisor code.
What would be your advice to women looking to start their business and be independent in today’s time?
A) Insurance business has tremendous growth potential in India. It is highly under penetrated. Insurance never got the importance that it should get ideally. There is a misconception that women cannot understand finance, it is time to break that barrier and become financially independent while helping others plan their life finances.
If you need advice, do connect with me on [email protected] and I would be happy to help.
For the uninitiated, here is a quick synopsis of what is Insurance and why is it necessary
Definition of Insurance
It is a contract between the insured and the insurance company, whereby the insured’s financial risk is covered by the insurance company. So effectively, one passes on the risk to the insurance company and they charge a nominal sum of money for taking that risk which is called Insurance Premium.
Why is Insurance necessary?
We know life is full of uncertainties. Like the COVID pandemic brought the world to a standstill, an unexpected event can bring our life to a grinding halt. It is important that we prepare for such uncertainties and the best way to do that is via Insurance. The most important types of insurance that one must have is Term Life Insurance, Medical Insurance, Accidental/Disability Insurance & Critical Illness Cover.
After hearing Beena’s story the one thing I realized was – it is never too late to start afresh. A career in Insurance and finance is possible without a formal degree in Finance. So, leave the excuses behind and start your journey in finance today.
It is never too late to start afresh. I truly believe in it. Planning, zeal and moving towards the right direction is needed to make a new star. Career in insurance seems promising for women as it can be done from home. And how with a major shift in the working environment, such areas are going to come into limelight.
This was an informative read and I had learnt a lot about different aspects of insurance business by Beena. It is really great that you don’t need any prior experience to get started . Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
So insightful post on taking Financial Insurance as a career especially for women. Best part about Insurance industry is this that even in pandemic where many business houses become standstill, Insurance field has its room to bloom.
True Insurance is one profession where you all.can start at any age and can also work from home and only go out for sales c
Interesting. I never knew a career in Insurance and finance can be explored without a formal degree in the same. Very detailed and informative post.
You have introduced me to an inspiring women. I always believed being your own boss is far more challenging than doing a regular job. Great inspiration.
Its nice to know in details about the career scope and prospects of an insurance planner. This article will be helpful for those who wants to grow in thus avenue.
Very informative and useful post. A career in the insurance sector is a great idea nowadays. After COVID people get to know the importance of insurance of the family. I know a few who are doing an Insurance agent job as a part-time.
Absolutely loved this post, really informative. I know a lot of women who will be benefited after reading this post, I have saved it and will surely share it with others. It was interesting to read the prospects of the insurance planner.
This looks to be a great career option for freshers and houswives. It doesnt need experience and a simple exam clearance makes one eligible for becoming an agent.
I agree that it’s never late to start your new dream job and follow the path of your dream.Thanks for sharing this career option !!
It’s so impressive to know how you got in this field. I am sure this article will surely help someone who wants to get into this field but is unaware of how?
We all know importance of life insurance but your post has come at the right time considering healthcare and safety is on too at the moment for everyone.
This is new for me I had no idea about career insurance planning thanks that I stopped by and learn something new today thank you for sharing the details on how to go ahead with career insurance planning
Well it’s one of the sought after business sectors in this pandemic crisis. Health Insurance and Life insurance understanding amongst the masses has increased and people have become more conscious of their survival.
Working from home you start networking with people seeking for Insurance, indirectly building sales and people management skills overall.
As a career you would gain a lot of risk and compliance oriented skills which would be good enough to grow ahead in any industry.